POSITION TITLE: Communications Manager

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Communications

REPORTS TO: Senior Communications Manager

STATUS: Regular Full time / Exempt  

LOCATION: Remote; Must reside in one of these states: DC, AK, WA, FL, OR, NC, TX, CA, MD, VA, MT,GA, ME

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

Ocean Conservancy is a nonprofit headquartered in Washington, D.C., whose mission is to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. With more than 130 staff across several coastal U.S. offices, our program areas include sustainable fisheries, Florida conservation, Arctic conservation, climate change, ocean plastic pollution, and more. Together with our partners, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communications Manager will lead communications efforts surrounding Ocean Conservancy’s Plastics Initiative, a subset of Ocean Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas® (TFS) program that includes its corporate engagement and international policy work. The TFS program is Ocean Conservancy’s largest conservation program, housing our annual International Coastal Cleanup, as well as growing science and domestic policy portfolios. The Communications Manager will report to the Senior Communications Manager as a member of the communications department and will support their department colleagues with other TFS-related and institutional PR and strategic communications efforts as necessary.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as communications lead for Ocean Conservancy’s Global Ghost Gear Initiative® and its Plastics Initiative, which houses the Trash Free Seas Alliance® as well as much of the Trash Free Seas® program’s international portfolio
• Seek out, execute and report on media opportunities to highlight Ocean Conservancy’s thought leadership in the above areas, producing press materials like talking points, press releases, statements, op-eds, letters to the editor, etc.
• Monitor news relevant to portfolio to mine for opportunities
• Maintain readiness and manage potential crises
• Draft and/or edit blogs, reports, remarks, and other program content as needed to ensure consistency in messaging
• Represent Ocean Conservancy as needed at conferences and other events, nationally and internationally
• Support other TFS and institution-wide communications efforts as assigned
• Coordinate communications issues with consultants and others engaged by program staff for specific projects

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree plus 3-5 years of experience working in media and/or communications OR 7+ years of relevant work experience
• Proven track record of media placements (quotes, op-eds, etc.) across media types (broadcast, print, etc.)
• Creative and/or enterprising approach to communications
• Exceptional writing skills
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated project management skills
• Proficiency in second language, particularly Spanish or Vietnamese, a plus
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, specifically PowerPoint, Excel and Word
• Familiarity with communications-specific software including Cision and Critical Mention or TV Eyes
• Ability to grasp policy-heavy and/or technical material and distill it into simple, effective messaging
• Ability to travel (including internationally) ~once per quarter
• Graphic design and/or video editing experience preferred

COMPENSATION

Ocean Conservancy is committed to equity in its pay practices and posts expected hiring ranges for each of its positions. We are targeting a hiring range of $61,200 - $84,000, which will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location and unique background. We are open to feedback from the market and would welcome the ability to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected hiring range.

COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT

In accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s emergency temporary standard for private employers with 100 or more employees, you will be required to provide proof of full vaccination status, or submit to regular masking and testing, as a condition of employment at Ocean Conservancy’s meetings, gatherings, and offices. You may request an accommodation for medical or religious reasons.

Ocean Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, handicap, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Ocean Conservancy is continually seeking to diversify its staff, particularly to broaden opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy.